MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2

The MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 was a prototype transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for AEUG. The “MSA” in the model code stands for mobile suit of AEUG. The “005” in the model code indicates that it was the fifth mobile weapon designed for AEUG. The “X-2” refers to it being the second experimental unit.

History

Anaheim Electronics embarked on Project Zeta to develop the next generation mobile suits for the Anti-Earth Union Group. The MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 was one of the early prototype units to emerge from Project Methuss. The Methuss X-2 and its predecessor MSA-005X-1 Methuss X-1 eventually led to the development of the MSA-005 Methuss, the first mobile suit from Project Methuss that could be fielded in actual combat.

The design concept for the Methuss X-1 was to create a transformable mobile suit with air superiority in a 1G environment. The team chose a different approach for the Methuss X-2 compared to their X-1 counterparts. The design team developed the Methuss X-2 for both space and gravity conditions.

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in mobile armour mode

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in brown

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in pink

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in white

Design

Project Methuss was one of the development paths under Anaheim Electronics‘s Project Zeta, the next generation development programme commissioned by the AEUG. Project Methuss aimed to develop transformable mobile suits. The MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 was the second prototype to emerge form the project.

The Methuss X-2 had thinner amrmour to shed weight for the large mega particle cannons that it mounted. The lack of proper melee weapons and light armour made the Methuss X-1 vulnerable in close combat.

It was built with Gundarium alloy. It was a reproduction of the Luna Titanium alloy used by RX-78-2 Gundam that Zeon developed on Axis by Anaheim Electronics.

Rocket thrusters with a combined output of 70,000 kg provided main propulsion for the Methuss X-2. This was less than the 98,000 kg in the Methuss X-1. The total propulsion for the Methuss X-2 was reduced to spare it from the tragic fate of its predecessor. The X-1 disintegrated while transforming at subsonic speed under gravity. Twelve sets of vernier thruster and apogee motors provided fine adjustments. It could optionally mount boosters for additional thrust.

The Methuss X-2 had a standard panoramic cockpit with linear seat in its torso.

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in mobile armour mode with boosters

MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 in mobile armour mode with a large booster

Armaments

The MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2’s standard weapons were beam sabres for melee combat. It could optionally mount large mega particle cannons for ranged attack.

Beam sabres

The Methuss Kai had two beam sabres mounted on its knees. These had output rated at 0.5 megawatts.

The beam sabres used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. The beam sabres could cut through almost any material. Minovsky particles were channelled into the sabres from the Methuss X-2’s reactor.

The fixed position of the beam sabres made them unwieldy to use and required the pilots to adapt to such an unusual combat style.

Large mega particle cannons

The Methuss X-2 had a pair of large mega particle cannons mounted on its back. When in mobile armour mode, the cannons were below and parallel to its nose.

The large mega particle cannons their rounds directly from the Methuss Kai’s Minovsky reactor. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the cannon bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit or even pierce the hull of battleships.